Snap survey reveals drivers’ concerns over EU mobility package

The introduction of the EU Mobility Package earlier this year has come with significant ramifications for the haulage industry across the UK and mainland Europe.

With drivers no longer able to take weekly rest periods inside their vehicles, hauliers are now obligated to source suitable accommodation for drivers on the road. They will also need to ensure these drivers return home once every four weeks – a significant change for international carriers.

Accordingly, many are speculating on the operational and commercial impact – particularly Eastern European hauliers, who have aggressively fought its introduction as well as labelled it protectionist and discriminatory.

But can an initiative designed to improve the health and wellbeing of drivers pose such a threat? And if so, what does this mean for the wider haulage industry? SNAP surveyed 350 Eastern European drivers to find out.

A very real concern, particularly among Eastern European markets, is whether the increased overheads and logistics caused by the Mobility Package will hurt their ability to compete. They claim that transport costs are likely to rise and that the package will leave Western countries with more favourable conditions in which to offer carrier services.

It is perhaps unsurprising, then, that two thirds (66.5%) of Eastern European drivers are concerned about the impact on their job security – with over a quarter (27.1%) ‘Very Concerned’."

This figure rises to 82% of drivers aged between 35 and 44 – a telling statistic given these individuals are perhaps more likely to have young families at home. Despite the package being aimed at improving working conditions, it is clear driver wellbeing extends beyond simply where drivers sleep.

In terms of industry impact, rising haulage costs – whether from Eastern European firms or existing use of Western hauliers – have the potential to impact demand industry-wide and may leave firms seeking cheaper sources of transit.

Many drivers appear to welcome the idea – in theory – of taking weekly rest periods outside of the vehicle cab. Interestingly, however, preferences appear split over age lines.

Almost one quarter (24%) of 18-24-year-old drivers remain keen to take their rest period inside the cab, while over 80% of the 55+ age group approve of the new rules around accommodation.

The quality of the accommodation provided is a concern for 72.9% of drivers. This is mostly felt in two age groups – younger drivers and those aged 55+. Female drivers are less concerned than their male counterparts on this issue.

While 45.7% of drivers said they would prefer to stay in accommodation, such as a roadside hotel, 37.4% said sleeping in their cabs remains their preferred option on long hauls. This demonstrates that while regulations might be made with good intentions, it is the driver and their individual preferences that need to be considered – and they must be thought of as individuals rather than a single group.

In a somewhat ironic twist, the ‘Mobility’ Package may end up preventing just that, say, drivers. 77% of those surveyed said they felt it was either likely or highly likely that congestion would increase at ports and borders, with long-haul drivers needing to return home more regularly than before.

Alongside the expected congestion in and around ports caused by Brexit, these additional delays could put significant strain on access routes in and out of the UK and hamper the timely transit of goods.

In a pre-vaccine climate, Covid-19 is an understandable issue for many drivers. Just 11% said they were not concerned about the increased risk of exposure from having to stay in public accommodation – with 68% saying they were concerned or very concerned.

Age brings an understandable split here, as those aged 34-44 (again, a bracket more likely to have young families), are the most concerned. Interestingly, over 55s were revealed to be the least concerned age group.

Vaccine or no, concerns such as these are likely to be a very real consideration for hauliers for some time. As such, sourcing ‘safe’ accommodation is likely to remain a complex subject – particularly if occupancy is reduced due to social distancing measures.